EU Referendum – what can private equity funds do to hedge against sterling risk?

We have seen a dramatic increase in interest in hedging FX risk related to investments by private equity funds.

The precipitous decline in the value of sterling has caused complications for funds which are in the process of acquiring UK assets. For deals which are still going ahead, many sponsors are using or considering deal contingent FX hedges to protect them against further fluctuations. These products are offered by a small number of banks to funds which are buying or selling assets denominated in a different currency to their base currency.

They allow the fund to enter into an FX forward which will only settle if the sale goes ahead (for example, when the conditions precedent to completion such as competition clearance are satisfied). The forward agreement includes a schedule of settlement dates with FX rates which gradually move against the fund depending on when settlement actually occurs. They are, in a sense, options without a premium which are contingent on completion.